Biden-Harris administration takes aim at de minimis exemption

The Biden-Harris administration is proposing to eliminate the de minimis exemption for imported goods, a move that could have a significant impact on e-commerce businesses.

The de minimis exemption allows for the duty-free entry of goods valued at $800 or less. This exemption has been in place for decades and has been used by e-commerce businesses to avoid paying duties on small shipments.

The Biden-Harris administration argues that the de minimis exemption is no longer necessary and that it is being abused by e-commerce businesses. The administration estimates that eliminating the exemption would generate $1.5 billion in additional revenue per year.

E-commerce businesses are opposed to the elimination of the de minimis exemption, arguing that it would harm small businesses and consumers.

The National Retail Federation, a trade group representing the retail industry, said that eliminating the de minimis exemption would "harm consumers and small businesses, who rely on the exemption to keep costs down."

The American Apparel & Footwear Association, another trade group, said that eliminating the de minimis exemption would "decimate" the online apparel and footwear industry.

The Biden-Harris administration has not yet finalized its proposal to eliminate the de minimis exemption.

The administration is currently seeking public comment on the proposal. A final decision is expected to be made later this year.

The elimination of the de minimis exemption would have a significant impact on e-commerce businesses.

Businesses would have to pay duties on all imported goods, regardless of their value. This would increase the cost of goods for consumers and could lead to a decline in sales for e-commerce businesses.

It is important to note that the Biden-Harris administration has not yet finalized its proposal to eliminate the de minimis exemption. The administration is currently seeking public comment on the proposal. A final decision is expected to be made later this year.